There are no league fans more passionate than that of the Pacific nation — the only country in the world where the 13-man game is the national sport. The Cronulla hooker’s decision to sever ties with PNG before going back on his word has divided opinions and some angry fans expressed their disdain via social media.

“It’s been a bit negative in the sense that people are telling me they don’t need me,” Segeyaro said.

“It is what it is but at the end of the day it is my choice and if they can look past the whole me turning my back on my country, it was my personal choice because of what the people did to my old man.

“It’s not because I didn’t like the country or anything like that.”

James Segeyaro is hoping for a friendly welcome from PNG fans.Source:Supplied

Segeyaro relinquished his eligibility for PNG two years ago because he was disappointed with how his father Iffysoe, himself a Kumuls player, was treated by league officials.

The 26-year-old said he decided to return to the fold after the coach of Queensland Cup club PNG Hunters, Michael Marum, took over the national side. “It was hilarious, reading the comments and the direct messages — it was hate mail more than anything. Everyone’s got a right to their opinion,” Segeyaro said.

James Segeyaro (left) and then North Queensland Cowboys teammate Matt Bowen were mobbed by fans when they visited PNG in 2011.Source:Supplied

He still doesn’t know how he will be received during the Kumuls’ three World Cup pool matches, all of which will be played in Port Moresby.

“You know what, it’s my homeland,” Segeyaro said.

“The people of Papua New Guinea are very opinionated because they love the sport, that’s what’s beautiful about it, they’re passionate. They’re very passionate about it, it’s the No. 1 sport in the country.

“I’m not too worried about it. It’s a bit of mixed emotions at the moment, seeing what it’s going to be like if I get picked and go over. I should be right.”